U.S. patent application number 13/101338 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for inspection system for a combustor of a turbine engine.
Invention is credited to Ian T. Doran, Clifford Hatcher, Dennis H. Lemieux, Forrest R. Ruhge, Robert G. Shannon.
Application Number | 20120281084 13/101338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46001849 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120281084 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hatcher; Clifford ; et
al. |
November 8, 2012 |
INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR A COMBUSTOR OF A TURBINE ENGINE
Abstract
An inspection system formed at least from an inspection system
housing including at least one internal chamber that supports an
extendible camera support shaft extending distally through a pilot
nozzle port into a combustor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed.
The inspection system may include a camera capable of capturing
high quality images together with position coordinates. Thus, the
inspection system enables images in a combustor of a gas turbine
engine to be captured and recaptured at a subsequent outage so that
the images may be analyzed and compared for preventive maintenance,
troubleshooting, and the like. The inspection system may include
three degrees of freedom for the camera mounted on the extendible
camera support shaft.
Inventors: |
Hatcher; Clifford; (Orlando,
FL) ; Ruhge; Forrest R.; (Orlando, FL) ;
Doran; Ian T.; (Charlotte, NC) ; Shannon; Robert
G.; (Orlando, FL) ; Lemieux; Dennis H.;
(Casselberry, FL) |
Family ID: |
46001849 |
Appl. No.: |
13/101338 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/83 ;
348/E7.085 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01D 9/023 20130101;
F01D 21/003 20130101; H04N 7/183 20130101; F23R 2900/00019
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/83 ;
348/E07.085 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. An inspection system for a turbine engine, comprising: at least
one inspection system housing including at least one internal
chamber, wherein the at least one inspection system housing is
attachable to a pilot nozzle port in a combustor of the turbine
engine; at least one extendible camera support shaft positioned
within the at least one internal chamber extending distally from a
distal opening in the at least one inspection system housing;
wherein the at least one extendible camera support shaft is
rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least one extendible
camera support shaft; wherein the at least one extendible camera
support shaft is extendible such that a distal end of the at least
one extendible camera support shaft is movable longitudinally along
the longitudinal axis; at least one camera lens supported by the at
least one extendible camera support shaft at a location outside of
the at least one inspection system housing distal to the distal
opening; wherein the at least one camera lens is rotatable about an
axis generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the at least
one extendible camera support shaft; and a data management system
configured to coordinate detailed image information together with
at least one image captured by at least one camera in communication
with the at least one camera lens.
2. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
camera is coupled to the at least one extendible camera support
shaft and wherein the at least one camera lens is attached to the
at least one camera.
3. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
camera is positioned at a distal end of the at least one extendible
camera support shaft.
4. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
extendible camera support shaft is a tube.
5. The inspection system of claim 4, wherein the at least one
extendible camera support shaft includes a camera cavity and
wherein the at least one camera is positioned at least partially
within the cavity.
6. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising at least
one motor in communication with the at least one extendible camera
support shaft that is configured to rotate the at least one
extendible camera support shaft for a change in rotation.
7. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising at least
one motor in communication with the at least one extendible camera
support shaft that is configured to move the at least one
extendible camera support shaft longitudinally along the
longitudinal axis for a change in lateral position.
8. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising at least
one motor in communication with the at least one camera lens for
rotating the lens about the axis generally orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis of the at least one extendible camera support
shaft to change tilt of the at least one camera lens.
9. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the data management
system correlates position coordinates with images as metadata.
10. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the data management
system stores images together with position coordinates.
11. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the data management
system presents images together with position coordinates for
analysis with algorithms for calculating interval extension of
specific components within the turbine engine.
12. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
camera lens is a combined automatic and manual focus lens.
13. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
camera is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera.
14. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
extendible camera support shaft is sized to extend from the at
least one inspection system housing at the pilot nozzle port
through the combustor to a distal end of a transition section
extending distally from the combustor, and wherein the at least one
extendible camera support shaft is telescopic.
15. An inspection system for a turbine engine, comprising: at least
one inspection system housing including at least one internal
chamber, wherein the at least one inspection system housing is
attachable to a pilot nozzle port in a combustor of the turbine
engine; at least one extendible camera support shaft positioned
within the at least one internal chamber extending distally from a
distal opening in the at least one inspection system housing;
wherein the at least one extendible camera support shaft is
rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least one extendible
camera support shaft; wherein the at least one extendible camera
support shaft is extendible such that a distal end of the at least
one extendible camera support shaft is movable longitudinally along
the longitudinal axis; wherein the at least one extendible camera
support shaft is sized to extend from the at least one inspection
system housing at the pilot nozzle port through the combustor to a
distal end of a transition section extending distally from the
combustor; at least one camera supported by the at least one
extendible camera support shaft at a location outside of the at
least one inspection system housing distal to the distal opening;
wherein the at least one camera is rotatable about an axis
generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the at least one
extendible camera support shaft; wherein the at least one
extendible camera support shaft includes a camera cavity and
wherein the at least one camera is positioned at least partially
within the cavity; and a data management system configured to
coordinate detailed image information together with at least one
image captured by at least one camera.
16. The inspection system of claim 15, further comprising at least
one motor in communication with the at least one extendible camera
support shaft that is configured to rotate the at least one
extendible camera support shaft for a change in rotation, at least
one motor in communication with the at least one extendible camera
support shaft that is configured to move the at least one
extendible camera support shaft longitudinally along the
longitudinal axis for a change in lateral position, and at least
one motor in communication with the at least one camera lens for
rotating the lens about the axis generally orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis of the at least one extendible camera support
shaft for a change in tilt of the at least one camera lens.
17. The inspection system of claim 15, wherein the at least one
camera is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera with a combined
automatic and manual focus lens.
18. The inspection system of claim 15, wherein the at least one
camera is positioned at a distal end of the at least one extendible
camera support shaft, and the at least one extendible camera
support shaft is a tube.
19. The inspection system of claim 15, wherein the data management
system stores images together with position coordinates and the
data management system presents images together with position
coordinates for analysis with algorithms for calculating interval
extension of specific components within the turbine engine.
20. An inspection system for a turbine engine, comprising: at least
one inspection system housing including at least one internal
chamber, wherein the at least one inspection system housing is
attachable to a pilot nozzle port in a combustor of the turbine
engine; at least one extendible camera support shaft positioned
within the at least one internal chamber extending distally from a
distal opening in the at least one inspection system housing;
wherein the at least one extendible camera support shaft is
telescopic, is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least
one extendible camera support shaft, is motor driven and is
extendible such that a distal end of the at least one extendible
camera support shaft is movable longitudinally along the
longitudinal axis for a change in lateral location; wherein the at
least one extendible camera support shaft is sized to extend from
the at least one inspection system housing at the pilot nozzle port
through the combustor to a distal end of a transition section
extending distally from the combustor; at least one camera
supported by the at least one extendible camera support shaft at a
location outside of the at least one inspection system housing
distal to the distal opening; wherein the at least one camera is
motor driven and rotatable about an axis generally orthogonal to
the longitudinal axis of the at least one extendible camera support
shaft for a change in rotation; wherein the at least one extendible
camera support shaft includes a camera cavity and wherein the at
least one camera is positioned at least partially within the
cavity; at least one motor in communication with the at least one
camera lens for rotating the lens about the axis generally
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the at least one extendible
camera support shaft for a change in tilt of the at least one
camera lens; a data management system configured to coordinate
detailed image information together with at least one image
captured by at least one camera; and wherein the data management
system stores images together with position coordinates and
presents images together with position coordinates for analysis
with algorithms for calculating interval extension of specific
components within the turbine engine.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed generally to turbine engines, and
more particularly to inspection systems for combustors in gas
turbine engines.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, gas turbine engines include a compressor for
compressing air, a combustor for mixing the compressed air with
fuel and igniting the mixture, and a turbine blade assembly for
producing power. Combustors often operate at high temperatures that
may exceed 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Typical turbine combustor
configurations expose turbine combustor components to these high
temperatures. These turbine combustor components are inspected for
damage during outages to prevent catastrophic failure.
[0003] The current standard inspection is conducted using a video
scope and a highly trained technician or engineer that has the
skills and dexterity to manipulate a camera into and out of a
component requiring inspection. The process of inspecting a
particular area of a combustor component requires pushing and
twisting a flexible conduit to the area of concern and manipulating
a four-way articulation system to get the desired view for the
inspection. Due to the manual process of positioning the camera,
capturing the same data with high repeatability is very low, if not
impossible. The standard inspection is performed at a resolution of
640 H.times.480 V pixels with varying optics to increase or
decrease magnification. The technician or engineer must be familiar
with all potential discontinuities in order to ensure complete
visual documentation of all critical areas. The inspection is
heavily dependent on the ability and knowledge of the technician or
engineer performing the inspection. The technician or engineer has
to be an expert and has to be onsite for data interpretation and
reporting. Thus, such system suffers from a low quality because of
low repeatability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to an inspection system for a turbine
engine for capturing images of components of a turbine engine
in-situ, including, but not limited to, a combustor basket and a
transition section. The inspection system may be formed from an
inspection system housing including at least one internal chamber
that supports an extendible camera support shaft extending distally
through a pilot nozzle port into a combustor of a gas turbine
engine. The inspection system may include a camera capable of
capturing high quality images together with position coordinates.
Thus, the inspection system may enable images of internal aspects
of the combustor of the gas turbine engine to be captured and
recaptured during a subsequent outage so that the images may be
analyzed and compared for preventive maintenance, troubleshooting,
and the like. The inspection system may include three degrees of
freedom for the camera mounted on the extendible camera support
shaft. As such, the inspection system enables the capture of a vast
array of images within the combustor.
[0005] The inspection system may include one or more inspection
system housings including at least one internal chamber. The
inspection system housing may be attachable to a pilot nozzle port
in a combustor of the turbine engine after a pilot nozzle and
related fuel lines have been removed. One or more extendible camera
support shafts may be positioned within the internal chamber
extending distally from a distal opening in the inspection system
housing. The extendible camera support shaft may be rotatable about
a longitudinal axis of the extendible camera support shaft. The
extendible camera support shaft may be extendible such that a
distal end of the extendible camera support shaft may be movable
longitudinally along the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the
extendible camera support shaft may be a tube. The extendible
camera support shaft may include a camera cavity, and the camera
may be positioned at least partially within the camera cavity. The
extendible camera support shaft may be sized to extend from the
inspection system housing at the pilot nozzle port through the
combustor to a distal end of a transition section extending
distally from the combustor. In one embodiment, the extendible
camera support shaft may be telescopic, thereby enabling the length
of the extendible camera support shaft to be changed.
[0006] The inspection system may include one or more camera lenses
supported by the extendible camera support shaft at a location
outside of the inspection system housing that is distal of the
distal opening. The camera lens may be capable of being tilted such
that the camera lens may be rotatable about an axis generally
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the at least one extendible
camera support shaft. The camera lens may be in communication with
a camera usable to capture high quality images. In at least one
embodiment, the camera lens may be attached to the camera, and the
camera may be coupled to the extendible camera support shaft. The
camera lens may be, but is not limited to being, a combined
automatic and manual focus lens. The camera may be a charge-coupled
device (CCD) camera. The camera may be positioned at a distal end
of the extendible camera support shaft.
[0007] The inspection system may include a data management system
configured to coordinate detailed image information together with
at least one image captured by the camera in communication with one
or more camera lenses. The data management system may store images
together with position coordinates and notes. The data management
system may present images together with position coordinates for
analysis with algorithms for calculating interval extension of
specific components within the turbine engine. The data management
system may correlate position coordinates with images as
metadata.
[0008] The lateral extension, rotation and tilt of the camera may
be controlled manually or controlled via an automated system. In at
least one embodiment, the inspection system may include one or more
motors in communication with the extendible camera support shaft
that is configured to rotate the extendible camera support shaft.
The inspection system may also include one or more motors in
communication with the extendible camera support shaft that is
configured to move the extendible camera support shaft
longitudinally along the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the
inspection system may also include one or more motors in
communication with the camera lens for rotating the lens about the
axis generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the
extendible camera support shaft. In one embodiment, the motor may
be in communication with the camera for rotating the camera about
the axis, thereby changing the tilt of the camera.
[0009] An advantage of the inspection system is that the inspection
system is an automated visual inspection tool that can be used to
inspect the operational condition of combustor components on a
combustion gas turbine engine with repeatability.
[0010] Another advantage of this invention is that the inspection
system enables the capture of high resolution images in a standard
format that enables easy repeatability and reproducibility of the
camera position and orientation.
[0011] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the
inspection system enables data capture and expert review of the
images from remote locations.
[0012] Another advantage of the inspection system is that the
inspection system is highly repeatable, which allows complete
surface documentation in automatic mode.
[0013] Still another advantage of this invention is that the
inspection system provides for rapid validation; computer aided
design (CAD) linkage; model based data analysis; full-field, fast,
and intuitive system; programmable inspection capture; and in-frame
and remote capability.
[0014] Another advantage of this invention is that the cost savings
of fabrication, assembly, and integration of the system is
substantial relative to conventional inspections systems.
[0015] These and other embodiments are described in more detail
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
presently disclosed invention and, together with the description,
disclose the principles of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inspection system
attached to a pilot nozzle port and extending into a turbine
combustor and transition section of a gas turbine engine.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
inspection system shown in FIG. 1 taken at section line 2-2.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a detail view of the inspection system shown in
FIG. 1 taken at detail 3-3.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective detail view
of the inspection system shown in FIG. 2 at detail 4-4.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of components forming the
inspection system.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a detail view of a distal end of the extendible
camera support shaft of the inspection system in FIG. 1 taken at
detail 6-6.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of hardware components of the
data management system of the inspection system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, this invention is directed to an
inspection system 10 for a turbine engine for capturing images of
components of the turbine engine in-situ, including, but not
limited to, a combustor basket 20 and a transition 54. The
inspection system 10 may be formed from an inspection system
housing 12 including at least one internal chamber 14 that supports
an extendible camera support shaft 16 extending distally through a
pilot nozzle port 18 into a combustor 20 of a gas turbine engine
22. The inspection system may include a camera 24 capable of
capturing high quality images together with position coordinates.
Thus, the inspection system 10 may enable images of internal
aspects of the combustor 20 of the gas turbine engine 22 to be
captured and recaptured during a subsequent outage so that the
images may be analyzed and compared for preventive maintenance,
troubleshooting, and the like. The inspection system 10 may include
three degrees of freedom for the camera 24 mounted on the
extendible camera support shaft 16. As such, the inspection system
10 enables the capture of a vast array of images within the
combustor 20.
[0025] The inspection system 10 may be formed from one or more
inspection system housings 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The
inspection system housing 12 may be adapted to be attached to a
pilot nozzle port 18, as shown in FIG. 3, after a pilot nozzle and
related fuel lines have been removed from the pilot nozzle port 18.
In at least one embodiment, the inspection system housing 12 may
include threads configured to mate with threads on the pilot nozzle
port, thereby enabling the inspection system housing 12 to be
threadably coupled to the pilot nozzle port 18. In another
embodiment, the inspection system housing 12 may be coupled to the
pilot nozzle port 18 via a releasably clamp or other appropriate
device.
[0026] The inspection system housing 12 may include one or more
internal chambers 14, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, configured to
support the extendible camera support shaft 16. In at least one
embodiment, the internal chamber 14 may have a cross-sectional
shape that matches a cross-sectional shape of an outer surface of
the extendible camera support shaft 16. In particular, in at least
one embodiment, the internal chamber 14 may have a generally
cylindrical shape, and an outer surface of the extendible camera
support shaft 16 may be generally cylindrical and sized slightly
smaller than the internal chamber 14 such that the extendible
camera support shaft 16 fits within the internal chamber 14 without
excess movement not aligned with a longitudinal axis 26 of the
extendible camera support shaft 16. The extendible camera support
shaft 16 may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis 26 while the
extendible camera support shaft 16 is supported within the internal
chamber 14 of the inspection system housing 12. The extendible
camera support shaft 16 may extend distally from a distal opening
28 in the inspection system housing 12. The extendible camera
support shaft 16 may be sized to extend from the inspection system
housing 12 at the pilot nozzle port 18 through the combustor 20 to
a distal end of a transition section 54 extending distally from the
combustor 20, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] The extendible camera support shaft 16 may be extendible
such that a distal end 36 of the extendible camera support shaft 16
is movable longitudinally about the longitudinal axis 26. In
particular, in at least one embodiment, the extendible camera
support shaft 16 may be telescopic, thereby enabling the length of
the extendible camera support shaft 16 to be changed.
[0028] The extendible camera support shaft 16 may support one or
more camera lenses 32 at a location outside of the inspection
system housing 12 that is distal to the distal opening 28, as shown
in FIG. 6. The camera lens 32 may be in communication with the
camera 24. In at least one embodiment, the camera lens 32 may be
attached directly to the camera 24. The camera lens 32 may be
rotatable about an axis 38 generally orthogonal to the longitudinal
axis 26 of the extendible camera support shaft 16, thereby
providing adjustable tilt. In another embodiment in which the
camera lens 32 is attached to the camera 32, the camera 32 may be
rotatable about the axis 38.
[0029] The camera 24 may be, but is not limited to being, a
charge-coupled device (CCD) camera capable of capturing high
quality images. The camera may be, but is not limited to being, a
camera 24 with a resolution greater than one megapixel. In one
embodiment, the camera 24 may include a two megapixel sensor that
delivers fluid, true-to-life video with the ability of capturing
still images up to eight megapixels. The inspection system 10, as
shown in FIG. 7, may include a light 56, such as, but not limited
to, a 150 W quartz halogen light to increase visibility in the
combustor 20, as shown in FIG. 7. The camera lens 32 may be, but is
not limited to being, a combined automatic and manual focus lens.
In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the extendible
camera support shaft 16 may be formed from a tube. The extendible
camera support shaft 16 may include a camera cavity 34 housing at
least a portion of the camera 24. As shown in FIG. 6, the camera 24
may be contained within the camera cavity 34, thereby reducing the
risk of damage to the camera 24 or camera lens 32. The camera
cavity 34 may be positioned at the distal end 36 of the extendible
camera support shaft 16. The camera cavity 34 may be positioned at
a distal end 36 of the extendible camera support shaft 16.
[0030] The inspection system 10 may include a data management
system 40, as shown in FIG. 7, configured to coordinate detailed
image information together with at least one image captured by the
camera 24 in communication with the camera lens 32. The data
management system 40 may include a central processing unit 50 in
communication with the camera 24 and a controller 52. The data
management system 40 may correlate position coordinates with images
as metadata. The data management system 40 may be configured to
store images together with position coordinates such that the
images may be captured and then recaptured one or more times during
subsequent out of service periods. The pictures may then be
analyzed to identify changes in the turbine combustor components
that may be indicative of a problem. The inspection system 10 may
capture images of liner holes cracking (below the resonators),
plate fin liner outer frame weld cracking, liner thermal barrier
coating (TBC) loss or erosion, upper panel exit mouth cracking,
lower panel exit mouth cracking, TBC loss or erosion, inlet ring
cracking and the like. The data management system 40 may also
present images together with position coordinates for analysis with
algorithms for calculating interval extension of specific
components within the turbine engine.
[0031] The inspection system 10, including the camera 24, may be
configured to operate within an environment with humidity between
about 30% and 95% and an ambient operating temperature of between
about 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The
electrical components of the inspection system 10, such as the CPU
50, the camera 24 and associated hardware, may operate on 110 volts
at 60 Hertz or on other appropriate power source.
[0032] The inspection system 10 may be automated such that the
position of the orientation of the camera 24 and camera lens 32 may
be controlled via the data management system 40 in cooperation with
one or more motors 42. The location, orientation, tilt, and the
like of the camera 24 may be established initially by a user,
thereby enabling programmable control of three axes of motion.
Alternatively, the image may be a predetermined image previously
input into the data management system 40, which in turn positions
the camera 24 according to position coordinates to capture the
desired image. In at least one embodiment, one or more motors 44
may be in communication with the extendible camera support shaft 16
that is configured to rotate the extendible camera support shaft
16. The motor 44 may include a drive shaft in direct contact with
the extendible camera support shaft 16 or may be in communication
with the extendible camera support shaft 16 through one or more
gears, such as, but not limited to, reduction gears. In addition,
one or more motors 46 may be in communication with the at least one
extendible camera support shaft 16 that is configured to move the
at least one extendible camera support shaft 16 longitudinally
along the longitudinal axis 26. The motor 46 may include a drive
shaft in direct contact with the extendible camera support shaft 16
or may be in communication with the extendible camera support shaft
16 through one or more gears, such as, but not limited to,
reduction gears. The inspection system 10 may also include one or
more motors 48 in communication with the camera lens 32 for
rotating the lens 32 about the axis 38 generally orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis 26 of the extendible camera support shaft 16. As
such, the motor 48 controls tilt of the camera 24. The motors 44,
46 and 48 may be formed from any appropriate motor such as, but not
limited to, a stepper motor, such as a two-phase--1/8'' step and a
DC motor with an encoder. The motor 48 may include a drive shaft in
direct contact with the camera lens 32 or may be in communication
with the camera lens 32 through one or more gears, such as, but not
limited to, reduction gears.
[0033] During use, the gas turbine engine 22 is first shutdown and
the pilot nozzle and corresponding fuel lines are removed, thereby
exposing the pilot nozzle port 18. The inspection system housing 12
may be attached to the pilot nozzle port 18 such that the
extendible camera support shaft 16 is inserted into the pilot
nozzle port 18, and the inspection system housing 12 is attached to
the pilot nozzle port 18. The camera may then be positioned within
the combustor 20 to inspect the operational condition of combustor
components on the gas turbine engine 22. The linear extension,
rotation and tilt of the camera 24 may be controlled manually, or,
in another embodiment, may be controlled via one or more motors 42.
As such, the motors 42 may control the linear extension, rotation
and tilt of the camera 24. The data management system 40 may cause
the camera 24 to capture an image. The data management system 40
may also record the position coordinates related to the position of
the camera 24 when the image was recorded. The data management
system 40 may also be used to include notes together with the
image. This detailed data information may be recorded by the data
management system 40. Once recorded, personnel, such as, but not
limited to, inspectors and engineers may review the data and
complete a data collection report.
[0034] Once the data has been collected, the data may be used in
two ways. For instance, the data may be stored and preserved until
the next outage. During the next outage, an image may be recaptured
at the same location and then compared with the first image to
determine whether a particular indication has gotten worse.
Appropriate action may be taken at that point. The detailed data
information may be used with algorithms to calculate interval
extension of specific components within the combustor.
[0035] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of this invention.
* * * * *